Dayton RTA partner with city to open downtown police substation

DAYTON, Ohio — Dayton officials are taking steps to enhance downtown safety through the installation of a temporary police substation in a vacant RTA-owned property. 

This temporary substation, located at Third and Main Streets, is next to the RTA Wright Stop Transit Center. 

The Dayton Police Department’s Central Business District (CBD) substation comes to fruition as the city continues to pursue a permanent downtown police station at Fourth and St. Clair Streets. 

“Maintaining a safe and welcoming downtown is a top priority for our city,” said Mayor Jeffrey J. Mims, Jr. “The CBD has not had a patrol district office located downtown since 2012, and this substation is a key step in ensuring officers are highly visible and accessible.”

Officials said operations are expected to be in place by March 2026, but this effort helps provide an immediate elevated police presence downtown. 

“RTA has a strong history of partnering with others on various community projects and initiatives,” said RTA CEO Robert Ruzinsky. “And this project will enhance an already growing and developing downtown.”

Through the new station, police will be in a visible, accessible and strategically located base for officers. 

“This substation is a practical solution that allows us to maintain a strong police presence downtown today, while planning and building the permanent station for the future,” said City Manager Shelley Dickstein. “Partnering with RTA puts officers in a central, high-traffic location, giving them the tools and proximity they need to serve the community effectively—with minimal cost to Dayton taxpayers.”

The permanent CBD police station is expected to break ground in 2027 and open fully in late 2029.